Episode 172 - Oodles of Doodles and DoodleFest

Oodles of Doodles

When they work, they work fantastically well; but the problem is there is scope for it to seriously not work.

- Carolyn Menteith

There are many Poodle crosses around at the moment - you name the breed, it's been crossed with a Poodle, given a catchy name, and sold at extortionate prices. That's not to say that anyone who breeds Poodle crosses is only in it to make money, but it does mean you have to be very - very - careful about the breeder you choose. Doodles can be great dogs, but the mix of Poodle intelligence and determination can have unforeseen results when crossed with some other mindsets. To explain fully, we have an interview with Carolyn Menteith. Carolyn was the first Kennel Club Accredited Instructors (KCAI) Trainer of the Year in 2015. She is an experienced behaviourist, and regularly writes and broadcasts about dogs. Carolyn talks about how the doodle mix can be dangerous, and some of the problems she's seen.

If you are thinking of bringing a Doodle into your life, listen and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make sure you don't end up giving your money to ignorant, unscrupulous breeders - or worse still a puppy farm or mill. To find more of Carolyn's excellent advice visit her website, Dog Talk. She also mentions Dogs Trust, who have a lot of information and advice on their website.

Oodles of Doodles

They are hard work. They're more of a lifestyle than just a pet!

- Barb Turnbull

By coincidence, in the week that she interviewed Carolyn about Doodles, Barb Turnbull of the Doodle Trust asked Julie to judge the novelty classes at DoodleFest. DoodleFest is a huge celebration of everything Doodle, and for any dog lovers is a fun day out. Barb Turnbull loves Doodles, but she knows that they are not a mix which everyone can handle. She has dedicated her life to finding Doodles who find themselves in need of a second chance at happiness. Barb talks to Julie about what life is like with a Doodle, how the Doodle Trust helps them and how people can inform themselves if they are looking to get a Doodle.

For more information about Doodles visit the Doodle Trust website. The Trust rescues and rehomes Doodles in need, as well as offering support to Doodle owners, and providing accurate information about the mix. If you want to meet every size and type of Doodle imaginable, check out DoodleFest, the annual celebration of everything Doodle.

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